Meet Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: From a child star to genius composer, how a musical prodigy built a class of his own

Considered as one of the greatest musicians of all time, Australian composer and musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave glimpses of his unmatched abilities at the age of five when he displayed the ability to read and write music, according to Opera Philadelphia. At that age, he even used to entertain people with his talents on the keyboard.

Born January 27, 1756, in Salzburg to a musical family, Mozart’s father, Leopold Mozart, was a noted composer, instructor, and author of famous writings on violin playing.

A musical prodigy from the age of six, Mozart went on to compose over 600 works, including some of the most famous and loved pieces of symphonic, chamber, operatic, and choral music. He got married at the age of 25 and settled in his homeland of Austria.

Intense training and musical tours: How Mozart’s father paved his path to success

Mozart etched his name in the history of music and melodies. But seeds of his legacy were sown very early in his life. He, along with his sister, Nannerl, received intensive musical training, and things began to take shape at the tender age of six. At the time, he became a budding composer and an accomplished keyboard performer.

In 1762, when Mozart was six, his father, Leopold, introduced his son to the world as a performer at the imperial court in Vienna, Austria. A year later, he took both children on a continuous musical tour across Europe.

The tour, which continued till 1766, covered Paris, France, and London, England. It also comprised visits to many other cities, with appearances before the French and English royal families.

Mozart’s key achievements

Starting out at the age of 10, Mozart composed fifty symphonies throughout his life. According to the Kennedy Center website, he was knighted by the Pope in his youth. He also performed for the King and Queen of England.

Mozart tried his hands at each and every genre of music that was known to him. The range comprised symphonies, concertos, chamber music, church music, operas, and operettas.

Mozart passed away at the age of 35. He left behind a profound legacy linked to Western music, which was second to none. Beyond the numbers game, his musical ability left an indelible emotional impact, which showed that he had a class of his own.